The cylinder-shaped container, with a rounded bottom, packaged the flavored malt beverage.

ABC Chairman Jim Gardner called the board’s move a tough decision. Commission members have a message: concern for underage drinking.

“We are taking steps to safeguard our children against it,” Gardner said.

A 2011 NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey cited alcohol abuse, from binge to underage drinking, as the third leading preventable cause of death in the nation.

Underage drinking in the state?

The beverage isn’t of concern, just the container’s shape.

ABC Commission Public Affairs Director Agnes Stevens wrote in an email to The Star that Stout 21 officials presented the beverage in a 4-package container to commission members. The small size and container’s rounded bottom was designed for one-gulp consumption.

“…In four quick swallows, an individual would be consuming four high-alcohol content beers. This is binge drinking by definition, and in addition to underage drinking is a serious public health concern,” Stevens wrote.

As part of the 2011 NC Healthy Schools survey, more than 25 percent of high school-aged students admitted to having at least one alcoholic drink in the previous 30 days.

Concealment raised a red flag, too.

“The primary concerns expressed were that the cylinder would be easily concealed in a backpack or pocketbook, not recognizable for parents, school officials or law enforcement…” according to Stevens.

Back to the drawing board

The product’s alcohol by volume limit is legal by state standards, set at 15 percent. Surprised by the commission’s decision was Stout Brands LLC CEO Cody Sommer.

“We hope to be in the market soon in North Carolina,” Sommer said. “It’s important for us to get back to our home state.”

The commission’s strike down of the shooter-styled product doesn’t interfere with Stout’s business as a whole. The brewery promised to create 61 jobs and $6 million in investments during the next few years in the county, The Star previously reported.

“They have valid permits to make beer. They can pursue sales in other states of any packaging that those states allow,” Stevens wrote.

Now, the commission is reviewing a request by Stout to sell the same malt beverage in a traditional-sized can measuring 8 oz. Sommer wouldn’t release further details about the new container.

“We want to make sure we’re doing it appropriately to their and our own standards,” he said. “We feel like our original brand has great attributes.”

North Carolina doesn’t allow shooter-style packaged products. But, they can be sold in other states. This isn’t the first time the commission has turned down shooter-style packaged products.